Energous and ams OSRAM collaborate to develop wirelessly powered solutions for agricultural sensor applications

Energous Corporation, a developer of RF-based charging for wireless power networks, and ams OSRAM, a leader in optical solutions, have announced a collaboration on a wirelessly powered multi-spectral light sensor for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming. The joint solution is based on the multi-channel AS7343 spectral sensor from ams OSRAM and the WattUp PowerBridge from Energous.

“Today, IoT devices like light sensors are deployed in a range of environments including CEA and vertical farming applications where replaceable batteries and power cords can restrict or complicate deployments while also requiring hands-on battery maintenance,” commented Cesar Johnston, CEO of Energous. “Energous’ WattUp PowerBridge technology provides a reliable source of power simultaneously to multiple devices, allowing for more flexible, waterproof device designs and reducing the burdens that keep them powered.”

ams OSRAM is a leader in optical solutions, providing products including prime-quality light emitters, optical components, and light sensors. Through this collaboration, Energous and ams OSRAM are enabling the development of a wirelessly powered multi-spectral light sensor which may be used by farmers to optimize lighting for maximum results. It will also have the capability to compute photosynthetically available radiation (PAR).

“Technological advancements in vertical farming and Controlled-environment Agriculture are moving quickly, bringing with them a growing need to ensure sensors in the field are powered wirelessly and without batteries. These sensors allow farmers to manage their lighting in the most efficient way possible,” stated Wim Renirie, Vice President & General Manager Business Line AWS at ams OSRAM. “Through our collaboration with Energous, we are showcasing such multi-spectral light sensor solution which can help alleviate this issue in horticulture and agriculture applications including vertical farming.”